Wednesday, September 05 2012

Jonathan Palmer, Chief Executive of the MSV Group that owns and operates Brands Hatch, has paid tribute to Alex Zanardi following his emotional win in the Paralympic Road Cycling at the Kent circuit today (Wednesday).

Zanardi, racing in the H4 category for handbikes secured the win by 27 seconds from his closest competitor, German Norbert Mosandl after two laps of the course which uses parts of the Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit and the surrounding roads.

"I'm absolutely thrilled that Alex Zanardi has claimed Paralympic Gold here at Brands Hatch. When racing cars here he finished third and second, and now he's claimed a win on his handbike which is an outstanding achievement.
 
"Alex is a tremendous example of what can be achieved in the face of adversity and he has a phenomenal amount of support and respect from everyone, not just the motor racing world.

"Here at Brands Hatch we're very proud to be hosting the Paralympic Games and it's clearly been a huge success. The sun has been shining on the event, we've welcomed lots of international visitors and there are happy smiling faces everywhere. The whole event has been an outstanding success and the biggest global platform for Brands Hatch  since the last Formula One Grand Prix in 1986."

Alex Zanardi told the BBC: "This is a great accomplishment, one of the greatest of my life.

"I worked very hard to get here. It was great to live such an experience at 45. This moment also brings a little bit of sadness for an adventure the last two years.

"When you are 20, you appreciate medals. When you are 40, you appreciate what you do every day. "I enjoyed every day of training. I've had a magical adventure and this is a fantastic conclusion."

To make sure you miss none of the action at Brands Hatchclick here to visit the Paralympics minisite.

Click here to check availability for tickets to the Paralympic Road Cycling events at Brands Hatch.

Please note: this event is organised by LOCOG and only official London 2012 tickets are valid for admission. Any MSV-issued passes, for example media, residents' and season passes, are NOT valid for admission.